(Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
In a day filled with 15 games of action, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be taking on the Detroit Pistons in a battle filled with some of the best young talent. The Thunder are coming off back to back losses and the Pistons have lost 8 of their last 9, so both teams are looking to get back in the win column on Monday evening.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks to have a bounce back game after facing one of the league's top guard defenders in Jrue Holiday. Holiday held Shai to just 18 points (season low), 3 assists (season low), and 1 rebound (season low). I fully expect a good performance from him as the Pistons are currently dead last in defensive rating.
What to look for:
Thunder's defense - OKC is top 10 in defensive rating and the Pistons are 28th in points per game. I expect OKC to take advantage on the defensive end and hold Detroit to under their average of 107 PPG.
3PT Shooting - Both teams are in the bottom 10 when it comes to 3PT%. If one team is able to get hot from beyond the arc, it could be game over if the other isn't able to respond.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - SGA has been cooking this year, averaging over 30 points a game. He could easily go for 40 points against a young and confused defense.
Injury Report:
OKC:
Aleksej Pokusevski - OUT (Shoulder)
Chet Holmgren - OUT (Foot)
DET:
Jalen Duren - PROBABLE (Ankle)
Marvin Bagley III - OUT (Knee)
Alec Burks - OUT (Foot)
Betting Advice:
The spread is currently set at DET -1.5, and I am comfortably taking the Thunder to cover. Detroit has home court advantage, but I just can't see them picking up a win here.
Make sure to follow @OKCDistrict_ on Twitter for in-game coverage, live reactions, and more to the Thunder! #ThunderUp
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